# xolotl: a fast and flexible neuronal simulator¶

xolotl is a fast single-compartment and multi-compartment simulator written in C++ with a MATLAB interface that you'll actually enjoy using.

Why use xolotl? This is why:

# xolotl is FAST¶

xolotl is written in C++, and it's fast. In our testing, it's more than 3 times faster than NEURON for single compartment neurons.

# xolotl is easy to use¶

Want to set up a Hodgkin-Huxley model, inject current, integrate it and plot the voltage trace? This is all you need:

x = xolotl;
x.I_ext = .2;
x.plot;


# xolotl has documentation¶

Unlike certain widely used NEURON simulators that shall remain nameless, xolotl has documentation that actually... exists.

This is what it looks like:

# xolotl lets you do this¶

xolotl lets you manipulate any parameter in any model and view the effects of changing that parameter in real time

# xolotl is fully programmable¶

xolotl is designed to be used from within MATLAB. It gives you the best of both worlds: the high performance of C++ compiled code with the rich power of all the toolboxes MATLAB has to offer. You can:

• write functions that pass models as arguments
• optimize parameters of neuron models using the Global Optimization Toolbox
• run simulations in parallel across multiple computers
• have a single script to run the simulation and analyze results

Hooked? Check out the quickstart to see how easy it is to use.